CONCEPT NOTE
Integrated Flood Protection and Coastal Resilience Program
Republic of Mauritania
1. Background and Rationale
The Republic of Mauritania is increasingly exposed to flood-related risks due to climate variability, rising sea levels, extreme rainfall events, and pressure on coastal and riverine ecosystems. Flooding in coastal areas and along the Senegal River basin has resulted in repeated loss of life, damage to infrastructure, agricultural disruption, and displacement of vulnerable populations.
Urban centers such as Nouakchott, Kaédi, and Rosso, as well as inland Sahelian zones, are particularly affected by seasonal flooding and insufficient water retention capacity. These challenges are expected to intensify in the coming years, requiring immediate, coordinated, and sustainable interventions.
In response, the Marine Foundation Mauritania, aligned with national development priorities and climate adaptation frameworks, proposes an Integrated Flood Protection and Coastal Resilience Program to deliver rapid protection, ecosystem restoration, and long-term resilience through a combination of nature-based solutions, low-cost infrastructure, intelligent monitoring systems, and community engagement.
2. Objectives
Overall Objective
To reduce flood-related risks to lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and ecosystems in vulnerable coastal, riverine, and inland areas of Mauritania through an integrated and scalable resilience approach.
Specific Objectives
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Strengthen coastal and riverbank protection using ecosystem-based and engineered solutions
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Reduce downstream flooding intensity and duration
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Improve early warning and flood preparedness capacities
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Enhance community resilience and adaptive livelihoods
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Support national climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies
3. Geographic Scope
The proposed program will focus on high-risk zones, including but not limited to:
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Coastal and river mouth areas near Nouakchott
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Senegal River basin zones, particularly Kaédi and Rosso
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Selected inland Sahelian catchment areas contributing to flood runoff
Site selection will be finalized in coordination with relevant government authorities and technical agencies.
4. Program Components
Component 1: Coastal and Riverine Ecosystem Restoration
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Restoration of approximately 500 hectares of mangroves and riparian vegetation along the Senegal River mouth and adjacent coastal zones
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Use of locally adapted species and community-based nurseries
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Engagement of fishing communities in restoration and maintenance activities
Expected Results:
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Reduced coastal erosion and wave impact
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Improved sediment stabilization and water absorption
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Enhanced marine biodiversity and fisheries productivity
Component 2: Flood Protection Infrastructure
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Construction of approximately three-meter-high protective dikes in identified flood-prone urban and peri-urban zones
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Use of cost-effective, locally sourced sand-cement materials
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Installation of sluice gates to enable controlled water discharge
Expected Results:
Component 3: Inland Water Retention and Runoff Management
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Development of 10 inland water retention basins in the upstream and Sahelian catchment areas
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Each basin is designed to capture seasonal runoff and release water gradually
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Stabilization of basin surroundings using native vegetation
Expected Results:
Component 4: Flood Early Warning and Monitoring System
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Deployment of solar-powered rainfall and river-level sensors at strategic monitoring points
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Integration of data into a centralized monitoring platform
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Dissemination of early warning alerts via SMS to at-risk populations and local authorities
Expected Results:
Component 5: Community Resilience and Capacity Building
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Community workshops on flood-resilient agriculture, housing, and preparedness
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Provision of micro-grants to support local adaptation initiatives
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Engagement of local labor and training programs during implementation
Expected Results:
5. Implementation Arrangements
Marine Foundation Mauritania will implement the program in close coordination with:
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Relevant ministries (Environment, Water, Infrastructure, Interior, Fisheries)
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Regional and local authorities
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National disaster management agencies
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Community organizations and traditional leadership structures
Technical oversight, monitoring, and reporting mechanisms will be established in accordance with government and partner requirements.
6. Estimated Budget and Financing
The program is modular and scalable, allowing phased financing and implementation.
7. Expected Impact
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Reduced flood-related losses and displacement
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Enhanced protection of critical infrastructure and livelihoods
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Improved ecosystem health and climate resilience
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Strengthened national capacity for flood risk management
8. Sustainability and Replicability
The program emphasizes:
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Use of local materials and labor
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Community-based maintenance models
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Nature-based solutions with long-term environmental benefits
The approach is designed to be replicable in other regions of Mauritania and across the Sahel.
9. Conclusion
This Integrated Flood Protection and Coastal Resilience Program offers a practical, cost-effective, and nationally aligned response to Mauritania’s growing flood risks. By combining ecosystem restoration, infrastructure protection, technology, and community engagement, the program supports the Government of Mauritania’s commitment to sustainable development, climate adaptation, and the protection of its citizens.